FX's The Strain Pilot Adds Merlin's John Hurt

John Hurt is planning to sink his teeth into The Strain, FX’s vampire-virus pilot.

Hurt will play Professor Abraham Setrakian, a Holocaust survivor who emigrated to America after World War II. His character runs a pawn shop in Spanish Harlem and may be the only one with answers once the bloodsucking virus breaks out.

The project will serve as a reunion for director/co-writer Guillermo del Toro (Pan’s Labyrinth) and Hurt, who appeared in del Toro’s Hellboy films.

The Strain stars Corey Stoll (House of Cards) as Dr. Ephraim Goodweather, the head of a Center for Disease Control team in New York City that is tasked with investigating a mysterious viral outbreak with the hallmarks of an ancient, evil strain of vampirism. Mia Maestro (Alias) co-stars, and Carlton Cuse (Lost, Bates Motel) executive-produces.

Hurt’s prolific career includes roles in V for Vendetta, the Harry Potter films and Merlin; he’s also on tap to appear in Doctor Who‘s upcoming 50th anniversary special.